Eyes on the Solstice: Darkest day part of many cultures

Humans are afraid of the dark. For millennia, diverse societies have found a way to honour the light. From Neolithic farmers in Ireland to Pueblo peoples in the Southwest to Christians celebrating Advent to neopagans marking the annual descent of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere, all acknowledge winter solstice.

Sunday marks the year's longest night, shortest day. The ancients dreaded it for fear the sun was dying. That dread led to multitudinous rituals to welcome the halt of the sun's decline and the lengthening of the days. Winter is rich in the traditions of mythology: of life, death and rebirth.